Juventus have warned Simone Pepe “will have to be out of action for a long time yet” after he suffered a tear to the same thigh muscle.

The winger has already barely stepped on to the field this season due to the left thigh strain, but had been preparing for a proper comeback.

However, today the club website released a statement confirming “Pepe will have to be out of action for a long time yet.

“Over the last few days, the player suffered a new muscular problem at the semi-membrane level of the left thigh.

“It is a I-II degree lesion in the area of the previous lesion, which had healed. To avoid further setbacks, he will have a period of complete rest and treatment, so will only return when his condition is completely healed.”